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The Eriskay Pony An Eriskay Pony

History & Origins

The Eriskay Pony is the last survivor of the native ponies of the Western Isles of Scotland. Its origins are ancient, certainly with Celtic and Norse connections. Although numerous in previous centuries, numbers decreased dramatically around the beginning of 19th century. Eventually, only a handful remained on the small island of Eriskay, which lies between South Uist and Barra in the Outer Hebrides. The last survivors of this ancient breed have become inextricably identified with this tiny island, hence the name Eriskay Pony.

Eriskay ponies in their natural habitat On Eriskay the crofters continued to use their ponies for the traditional tasks of carrying peat and seaweed in panniers slung in pairs across the ponies' blacks. The ponies were handled mainly by women and children whilst the menfolk were away at sea in their fishing boats.

Modern Eriskay ponies are the last surviving remnants of the original native ponies of the Western Isles of Scotland. Recent DNA testing by the University of Leicester has proven that they are a distinct, primitive breed, with ancient origins. Certainly they have ancient Celtic and Norse connections and Eriskays have been proven by measurement to be of similar proportions to those found on ancient Pictish stones throughout the North and West of Scotland.

Until the middle of the 19th Century ponies of the “Western Isles type” were found throughout the islands and used as crofters ponies, undertaking everyday tasks such as bringing home peat and seaweed in basketwork creels slung over their backs, pulling carts, harrowing and even taking the children to school.

In some ways the ponies were subject to “human” in addition to “natural” selection. The ponies had evolved to survive on meagre food supplies, with coats, ears and tails well adapted to coping with a harsh, wet and windy climate. Eriskays were then subject to the forces of living in a society where women and children did most of the work while the men were at sea. Poor temperaments could not be tolerated. Only those ponies happy to live in close proximity with their handlers, those willing to be trained and work hard, were retained. Unsuitable specimens were culled Ptarmigan - An Eriskay stallion

Over the centuries, the Eriskay ponies evolved into the hardy, versatile, people friendly characters we recognise today.

On many of the islands increasing mobility and farming pressures led to larger ponies becoming fashionable. Norwegian Fijords, Arabs, Clydesdales and others were introduced to “improve” the native stocks and produce larger, stronger animals. On the remote island of Eriskay in the Western Isles, however, due to difficulties with access, other breeds were not introduced, leaving a stock of pure bred ponies which had declined to a around 20 animals, due to mechanisation, by the early 1970s.

The Modern Eriskay

Today, Eriskay Ponies can been seen competing in all spheres of equestriansm. Members of the Eriskay Pony Society regularly take part in activities such as dressage, jumping, cross country, pony club eventing, team games, western riding and driving. Although they stand between 12.0 and 13.2hh they are strong for their size, have terrific stamina and can carry a light adult with ease. They also make excellent driving ponies, Lesley Cox from Cheshire has had tremendous success with her tandem driving ponies, competing at FEI level and winning regularly.

Other Eriskays find excellent homes as family ponies, with their human friendly characteristics coming to the fore playing football in the garden with the kids, or working with special needs children as RDA ponies.

Eriskay ponies are very distinctive in that they are usually born black or bay and usually turn grey as they mature, a few individuals have remained black or bay into adulthood, but no other colours occur.

They have a dense, waterproof, but not overly long, coat which enables them to live out in the harshest of conditions, and have a little, light feathering on their fine legs.

The head is sensible and workmanlike with plenty of room for air to warm in the sinuses before it reaches the lungs, and the tail is low set to keep the hind end warm in the wind and rain.
An Eriskay showing the typical conformation of the breed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BREED

The Eriskay Pony stands 12.0 - 13.2 hands high.

The predominant colour is grey, with the occasional black or bay.

Though fouls are often born brown or black they turn grey with maturity.

In winter a dense waterproof coat enables them to live out in the harshest conditions.

Their legs are fine, with only a small tuft of hair at the fetlock.

Their temperament is excellent and their enjoyment of human company makes them ideal back door ponies, as they were on the crofts.

The Eriskay Pony Society ERISKAY PONY SOCIETY

The Society exists to promote the breeding and use of the Eriskuy Pony in the present day. These rare ponies of remarkable temperament and hardiness are carving a special niche for themselves in today's competitive world.

Although many people have now heard of Britain’s most endangered pony, few have ever met one face to face. With around 300 Eriskay ponies scattered throughout the British Isles the emphasis until now has been on breeding and very few have been used for “PR purposes”. This year, however, bolstered by a record crop of 25 foals in 1999, more owners will be bringing their ponies out and about throughout Scotland.

Eriskay Ponies are proving themselves very versatile in all spheres, with members of the Eriskay Pony Society taking part in activities ranging from pony club eventing to dressage, Western, Endurance, Driving and Jumping. Although they stand from 12.00 to 13.2hh they are tremendously strong for their size and can carry a light adult with ease. Having been selectively bred for their temperament in the islands for years, they are very people friendly and make ideal family ponies.

Obviously, the breed are still seriously threatened and are listed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust as category 1 “critical”, but with 12 pure bred stallions and a record 25 foals born in 1999, the future is looking a little brighter.

On the whole, the future of the Eriskay is bright, however, these ponies are still more rare than a giant panda. The Eriskay Pony Society is a registered charity which exists to protect and promote the ponies. It maintains a studbook in accordance with EU regulations and is empowered to issue passports. The Society always welcomes new members, whether owners or just enthusiasts and provides lively newsletters, shows, meetings and other events for its members all for a minimum of £10.00per year. For details about the ponies, sales lists and membership, please contact the secretary, Celia Harper Gow, Hardiston House, Cleish, Kinross, Tel:01577 850203

The information and photos in this section are provided by the Eriskay Pony Society

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